Glassjaw - A Brief History Of Rock

Glassjaw - A Brief History Of Rock

Glassjaw are a 4 piece post-hardcore/metal band, formed in New York in the early Nineties, fronted by vocalist Daryl Palumbo and guitarist Justin Beck. When they formed in 1993, they began touring the New York Hardcore scene. Their first EP was called Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and some songs from the release, such as 'Star Above My Bed' still feature in their setlist today.

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Silence - 2000

In 1999, Glassjaw entered the studio with Ross Robinson to record their debut album, 'Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Silence'. They're quoted to have been on a mission to 'destroy Adidas rock', referring to Adidas-sponsored bands such as Korn and Limp Bizkit. (artists which Robinson had been famed for producing) The band toured the album when it was released in 2000, however tours were often disrupted due to Palumbo's struggle with Crohn's Disease. Allegedly, their label Roadrunner Records wouldn't allow time off for him to rest. The tours were also disrupted from various line-up changes.

The album itself has an incredible quiet-loud dynamic; at parts it will serenade and sweeten you, before tearing your ears off with the chainsaw you thought was a pillow. Daryl sings like a man possessed, his aggressive vocal style seems to be screaming out as if his life depended on it. Musically it has to be one of the most important releases in modern heavy rock, and artists influenced by this record are still ever-appearing, possibly the first vital hardcore release to exist. This is a must for any self-confessed metal/hardcore fan

Glassjaw - Siberian Kiss

Worship and Tribute - 2002

The band entered the studio in 2001 to record their second album, 'Worship and Tribute'. Ross Robinson produced the album again. After their previous bad experience with Roadrunner, upon completing they shopped around for labels and eventually signed with Warner Bros, who released the album in 2002. The album was meant to feature a new version of an old song, 'Convectuoso', however as this had been already released on a B-Side of a single previously released through Roadrunner, they refused to release the right to include it, so it was omitted. The second album was more melodic than the first, due to a greater inclusion of Glassjaw's musical influences, which range from everything from Anthrax to The Cure. The band toured the album in 2003-4, however this was also disrupted due to Palumbo's Crohn's Disease.

Their second album is a much more melodic and thoughtful affair. The heavy rock and hardcore sound still shines though, on tracks such as 'Tip Your Bartender' and 'Pink Roses', however it is much more experimental, almost jazz and funk influenced in some places. The album is more mature, more thoughtful, and as the second album was written as a whole, instead of a collection of songs from the band's previous history, flows and progresses much better.

Glassjaw - Cosmopolitan Bloodloss

Glassjaw items on eBay

Here you'll be able to find rare items of Glassjaw, as well as other merchandise too!

The Hiatus - 2004-2008

After the second album was toured, Glassjaw took a hiatus so that Daryl could rest his Crohn's and work on his side project Head Automatica. And the end of 2004 a message was posted on their official website saying "RIP Glassjaw", even though the band never confirmed that they were splitting up. In the years between 2004 and 2008, Glassjaw still performed various mini-tours and one off shows, and released a B-Sides EP called "El Mark". In 2007, a couple of looped drum and bass tracks were posted on their MySpace page, hinting at new material.

Head Automatica

Head Automatica was Daryl Palumbo's side project, heavily influenced by Britpop and hip-hop. The first album, 'Decadence', featured Dan The Automator. A second album, 'Popaganda' was released in 2006. Daryl announced that the third album was completed in 2009, but is yet to surface.

The Rebirth, 2008-present

SInce 2008, Glassjaw have been rumoured to be in production of a new album. Touring and more one-off shows have seen a number of new songs receiving an airing, which include 'All Good Junkies Go To Heaven' and 'You Think You're John Fucking Lennon'. New songs have also been available for digital download. The band released 'Our Colour Green: The Singles' in January 2011. Physical release have only been available at certain shows over the last few years

Glassjaw - All Good Junkies Go To Heaven

Do you have a particular favourite Glassjaw track or album? Or do you have an experience of seeing them live that you'd like to share with the world? Why not leave a comment!